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Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 22 November 1867, CO 60:29, no. 3370, 450.

Abstract
Despatch to London. Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
Seymour forwards An Ordinance for regulating the acquisition of Crown Lands in British Columbia and reports on the ordinance from the attorney general and the surveyor general. Seymour relates his views on the ordinance and does not recommend it for favorable consideration. Cox’s minute discusses how the ordinance passed in defiance of the Govt and suggests sending it to the land board. Adderley’s minute asks for the land board to provide special advice on the postponement of foreigners in the ordinance. Buckingham’s minute instructs the ordinance to be taken to the land board and for information on preemption in other colonies.
No. 149
22nd November 1867
My Lord Duke,
I greatly regret that, by oversight, I have not earlier forwarded to Your Grace an Ordinance of the last Session of the Legislature of this ColonywhichManuscript image which I had reserved for Her Majesty's pleasure.
2. I have now the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain Copies of a Bill which has passed the Legislative Council. It is entitled; An Ordinance for regulating the acquisition of Crown Lands in British Columbia.
3. I add the report of the Attorney General and oftheManuscript image the Surveyor General.
4. I share in the objections which these officers take to the measure and go further in saying that I consider Legislation on the subject at present unnecessary. Englishmen or naturalized Englishmen can now virtually get land for nothing, provided that they improve that which they settle on. No payment is required until the Government Survey has reached their land,andManuscript image and that Survey the Government is not at present in a position to undertake.
5. Viewing the present Bill as decidedly unneccessary, if not mischievous, I withheld my assent to it and am unable now to recommend it for Your Grace's favorable consideration.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant.
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Holland
The Act appears to have been carried in defiance of the Govt & you will see the Govr, the Attorney General & the Surveyor General are all opposed to its policy—& the Govr did not give his assent to it.
The argument of the Att. Genl & the Surveyor General appear very conclusive agtManuscript image the Act—at the same time I suppose you will suggest a reference to the Land Bd as the 1st step.
CC 3/4
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Sir F. Rogers
To the Land Board as suggested.
HTH 3/4
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Duke of Buckingham
There are clearly errors enough in detail to reject the Ordce but, subject to ammendt it is needed. In referring to Land Bd I should like special advice on the postponement of foreigners. The main object is to draw capital & occupation as rapidly as possible. I doubt the minn of 320 acres & would only insist on residence [agst agency?]—& on the reqte ammendt in detail.
CBA 9/4
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To Land Board for report and result of experience as to preemption in other colonies.
B&C 10/4
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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H.P.P. Crease, Attorney General, to Seymour, 2 November 1867, reporting on the ordinance as per despatch.
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J.W. Trutch, Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, to Seymour, 19 November 1867, reporting on the ordinance as per despatch.
Other documents included in the file
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Rogers to Emigration Commissioners, 16 April 1868, forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosure for report.